The Public Administration Act 2004 (PDF 569KB) outlines the public sector values. The values underpin the public sector and reflect the behaviours essential to the relationship between the public sector and the Government, the public sector and the community, and between those who work in the public sector.

The values are outlined in section 7 of the Act, which states that public officials should demonstrate:

Responsiveness

• providing frank, impartial and timely advice to the Government
• providing high quality services to the Victorian community
• identifying and promoting best practice.

Integrity

• being honest, open and transparent in their dealings
• using powers responsibly
• reporting improper conduct
• avoiding real or apparent conflicts of interest (see also Conflict of Interest Policy Framework - Victorian Public Sector (PDF 1507KB)
• striving to earn and sustain public trust at the highest level.

Impartiality

• making decisions and providing advice on merit without bias, caprice, favouritism or self-interest
• acting fairly by objectively considering all relevant facts and applying fair criteria
• implementing Government policies and programs equitably.

Accountability

• working to clear objectives in a transparent manner
• accepting responsibility for their decisions and actions
• seeking to achieve best use of resources
• submitting themselves to appropriate scrutiny.

Respect

treating others fairly and objectively
• ensuring freedom from discrimination, harassment and bullying
• using their views to improve outcomes on an ongoing basis.

Leadership

• actively implementing, promoting and supporting these values.

Human Rights
Public Officials should also respect and promote the human rights set out in the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (PDF 228KB) by:

• making decisions and providing advice consistent with human rights
• actively implementing, promoting and supporting human rights.

ethics resource kit

The Public Sector Standard Commissioner's Ethics Resource Kit, and particularly its two development guides: Leading the Way (PDF 1040KB) for managers and Taking the High Road (PDF 649KB) for employees, show how the values apply to the work of public sector employees.

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